F. Scott Spencer is Professor of New Testament at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Virginia and is the author of The Portrait of Philip in Acts: A Study of Roles and Relations and Acts. He is the Chair of the New Testament section for the Southeastern Commission for the Study of Religion.ission for the Study of Religion.
"...happily offers both rigorous scholarship and a ‘good read.'...
This volume is highly recommended not only for biblical scholars
narrowly defined, but also for ethics classes, adult study groups,
college students, seminarians, and pastors."-The Catholic Biblical
Quarterly, 67, 2005
"In Trying to Grapple with ethical dilemmas, this lively and
helpful book takes as its starting point the slogan often heard
today: " What would Jesus do?" Spencer, who is a professor of New
Testament at Baptist Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, respects the
earnest spirit of the question but is aware that the answer has to
be comples. He focuses on the four Gospels and gives attention to
how they portray the conduct and teaching of jesus, especially in
regard to personal ethical issues. The author selects six key
topics: family, friends, body, money, work, and issues of honor. In
each case he offers a thoughtful grappling with the gospel
materials and draws out the inherent values and perspectives in a
way that respects the complexities of the text but also
communicates with a modern lay reader."--Father Donald Senior C.P.,
The Bible Today, Nov. Dec. 2003
*Bible Today, The*
"Spencer provides an informative, lucid, and often witty discussion
of how Jesus conducted himself and interacted with others in his
first-century world. He treats matters of relevant interest to
Christians today and engages the challenges they inevitably face in
taking the life of Jesus as a model of discipleship. The book is
both academically responsible and fun to read--this popular focus
and chatty style should make it a real treat for readers in
churches and classrooms alike."---Mark Allan Powell, Professor of
New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary
*Blurb from reviewer*
"In posing the question, "What would Jesus do? This very readable
book provides a fresh perspective on Jesus as a norm for
contemporary behavior. Spencer attempts to create a bridge between
1st and 21st century ethics by focusing on gospel portraits of
Jesus' own personal conduct."--Gail R. O'Day, A.H. Professor of New
Testament and Preaching, Chandler School of Theology, Emory
University, Atlanta, GA
*Blurb from reviewer*
"As a New Testament scholar and a Christian, F. Scott Spencer meets
halfway those Christians who, though largely unfamiliar with
biblical scholarship, are eager to ask "What would Jesus do?" as a
guide for their own ethical actions. Spencer's cleverly titled
book, What Did Jesus Do?, is not a scholarly reconstruction of the
historical Jesus but a portrayal of the narrated actions of the
composite (not harmonized) canonical Jesus, especially actions that
might be labeled "personal ethics," in the context of the
first-century Mediterranean world. Thus while Spencer shares an
interest in ethical guidance with his audience, he aims to
challenge his audience to be guided by a Jesus understood within
his own (ancient) context rather than a fabricated
twenty-first-century North American Jesus who too easily confirms
without challenging accepted values."--Elizabeth Struthers Malbon
Professor of Religious Studies Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
*Blurb from reviewer*
"What Did Jesus Do? is a balanced and perceptive book that provides
a detailed examination of Jesus' behavior as recorded in the four
Gospels. Spencer offers numerous insights into the mind of the most
fully human being that has ever lived...The highest compliment one
can pay to any writer of a book about Jesus is that it brings us
closer to its subject. What Did Jesus Do? is scholarly yet
surprisingly pastoral. No reader can fail to be enriched and
enlightened by Spencer's easy prose and fearless probing into the
perfect life that Christ lived." -Prism, March/April 2004
*Blurb from reviewer*
"A lucid, engaging look at the personal life and conduct of Jesus
of Nazareth, this book plays off the popular ‘what would Jesus do?'
question. Spencer offers an informed, honest, and challenging
alternative: ‘What did Jesus do?' This book will be an effective
resource for classes in both biblical studies and ethics. It also
could be used in adult church educational contexts." —Choice
*Choice*
"What is unique here is the author's attention to Jesus' actions
and deeds in and around other persons as authoritative for ethical
conduct rather than his sayings or pronouncements. Spencer offers
balanced and incisive and balanced conclusions at the end of each
chapter that serve both to render a viable portrait of the ethical
Jesus and to effectively navigate the reader through and, at times,
provocative ethical deliberation. Spencer's handling of Jesus work
ethic is particularly well done, as it sheds some necessary and
accurate light on the character of first century Judaism vis-a-vis
Sabbath observance. In the end, this volume represents an incisive
approach to a complex subject that is adroitly handled by the
author, who, as he might say, "drops the gauntlet" on the evasive
yet intensely popular question: What would Jesus do?" - John W,
Daniels Jr., Flagler College, Review of Biblical Literature, July
2004
*Review of Biblical Literature*
"...well-written and thoughtful...suitable for pastors, teachers,
and educated laypersons....the book is filled with many insightful,
engaging, and often humorous interpretations of the Gospels.
Spencer admirably fulfills his aim by providing a lucid summary of
what the Gospel writers report that Jesus did. This book will serve
as an excellent resource for those interested in the relationship
between the canonical portrayals of Jesus and contemporary ethical
reflection." -Theology Today, 4/05
*Theology Today*
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
